Singh Wins American Junior National Title in Weight Lifting

Amitoj Singh Chhabra won the Junior National Title at the United States Power lifting National Championship.

RENO – Reno’s Amitoj Chhabra won the Junior National Title at the U.S. Powerlifting National Championships in Las Vegas last weekend. “It was surreal. I worked really hard for this,” said Chhabra. “I worked really hard for this. It was a long journey. I’ve been working out since I was 14; competitively powerlifting since last May. I’ve got a lot of great people behind me, like my coach.”

His trainer, Adam Lauritzen of Silverback Strength and Conditioning, has helped Chhabra add over 100 pounds on his deadlift in the last year alone. He topped out at 573 pounds to propel him to the title.

“I’m extremely proud. It’s pretty amazing, really,” said Lauritzen. “He’s got the genetic talent, he’s got the work ethic. And that only comes along every once in a while.”

Chhabra won the title in the full power Raw event, a combination of three lifts. The bench press, the squat and the deadlift. He finished with 1,383 total pounds to win the Junior Championship in the 198 pound weight class.

“I’m not satisfied with my performance,” admitted Chhabra. “I had to cut about 20 pounds (to make weight) and I think I could have done better, especially in the squat and the bench. Other than that, it feels great. All the hard work, it’s all paid off.”

The Galena High School graduate has been dominating the Junior circuit for a while now. He broke four Nevada state records back in October at the Central California Open. That was in the 18-19 age division. He now competes in the 20-23 age group, where he still holds those same records. He currently has seven Nevada state records.

“‘He’s just going to get stronger,” said Lauritzen. “So our job now is to make sure he keeps progressing and stays healthy enough to continue going up.” “I’d like to dominate in the open division as well. My goal is to dominate,” added Chhabra. “I don’t want to just focus on Junior. I want to be the best of the best.”